The union is accepting relief applications through May 15 and publicizing crowdfunding campaigns for members
Updated: April 2, 2026
The Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association is allowing members to file for relief payments following a first round application deadline of April 20 to distribute up to $50,000 from the union’s Crises Fund to support its members affected by the recent Kona low storms that struck the state in March. The first round of applications HSTA received for relief checks is being processed and sent out. Any applications submitted after April 20 will be accepted through May 15 and processed no later than May 29 with any remaining funds.
To be eligible, applicants must have been HSTA members at the time the storm-related damage occurred. Individuals who were not members at that time are not eligible for relief.
HSTA members may apply to the union for storm relief assistance if they suffered significant damage to their primary residence, primary vehicle, and/or classroom or workspace caused by the Kona low storms across Hawaiʻi last month. Each qualifying category is eligible for at least $250 in relief. For instance, a member whose classroom and home sustained serious damage could qualify for a $500 payment. Final award amounts will depend on the number of approved applicants and available funds.
The fund includes $50,000 allocated by the HSTA Board of Directors and additional funds donated by the National Education Association.
Applicants may submit via a secure digital link.
We recognize that this assistance will not fully cover the losses our members experienced. However, it is intended to help offset some of the costs associated with recovery and to demonstrate that our union stands together in times of need.
Distribution of funds from the first round of applications turned in by April 20 will begin on or after April 30.
Questions regarding the relief program can be submitted to relief@hsta.org.
HSTA President Osa Tui, Jr. said, “HSTA is committed to supporting our members impacted by this disaster. While relief is not going to completely compensate members for their losses, supporting our members’ recovery during widespread natural disasters is important as broader relief efforts are underway.”
HSTA, NEA MB accepting donations for members’ flood relief
If you or someone you know would like to support teachers affected by the Kona low storms, contributions to the HSTA March 2026 Kona Storm Relief Fund are greatly appreciated.
NEA Member Benefits has created an HSTA Kona-Low Storms Relief Fund GoFundMe page to accept donations from individuals and organizations who’d like to help teachers whose classrooms, homes and personal vehicles sustained significant damage in the flooding and storms that struck the islands in March. The page will accept contributions through Friday, June 12.
Donations of any amount may also be made by check and sent to HSTA. Donated funds will be provided directly to our educator members affected by the storms.
Please make your check payable to HSTA and mail it to: HSTA Attn: Kona Storm Relief, 1200 Ala Kapuna St., Honolulu, HI 96819.
HSTA is not a 501(c)(3) and any donation is NOT tax-deductible.
Have a crowdfunding effort to rebuild your home or classroom? Let HSTA know so we can spread the word
Are you an HSTA member who suffered losses from the recent Kona low rain and wind storms and need to rebuild your home or outfit your classroom? If you have a fundraising link, such as DonorsChoose, GoFundMe, Amazon, My Wishlist, Venmo, or Zelle, that you would like to share publicly, let us know!
Go to our Contact page and submit an online form with the following:
- Under Topic, select “Storm relief” from the dropdown menu.
- Include your name, school/workplace, chapter, phone number, and personal email address.
- Under Question, briefly explain your current situation and include your fundraising link.
See a complete list of crowdsourcing links from members here.
Looking to donate to flood victims or want to sign up for flood-related help?
When disaster strikes, nonprofit and community-led organizations are among the first to step up and coordinate assistance. Many efforts and resources are being created and shared in response to the devastating floods impacting communities across the islands. The Hawaiʻi Association of Nonprofit Organizations (HANO) has compiled this list of groups that could use donations, volunteer assistance and other help in responding to the storm damage. Some of these groups are also accepting requests for assistance from storm victims.
The list includes:
- Community-led response efforts
- Emergency food, housing and mental health support
- Support for farmers, the land and animals
- Gender-focused support
- Relief funding efforts
- Government resources
Across the state last month, eight public schools remained closed through March 27 because of storm-related impacts. Dozens of classrooms have been flooded or suffered damage from the storms and seven schools on Maui and Molokaʻi reopened March 25.
Gov. Josh Green closed state offices and public schools March 13 and 20 in advance of storms that caused flooding, power outages and damage to homes, businesses and schools. Green has requested a presidential disaster declaration to secure federal assistance.